Tired of juggling your food prep with a microwave that’s too small? Imagine fitting that family-sized casserole or a whole rotisserie chicken inside without a problem. Finding the perfect large countertop microwave can feel like a treasure hunt, but it doesn’t have to be a frustrating one.
Many people face the same dilemma: needing more space but feeling overwhelmed by all the choices. You want a microwave that cooks evenly, heats quickly, and looks good on your counter, but sifting through features and sizes can be a real headache. You might worry about it taking up too much precious counter space or not having the power you need.
This post is here to help! We’ll explore what makes a large countertop microwave a game-changer for busy kitchens. You’ll learn what features to look for, discover different brands, and get tips on how to choose the best fit for your cooking needs and your kitchen’s style. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave limitations and hello to effortless meal prep!
Our Top 5 Large Microwave Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Large Microwave Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave designed for busy households. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and powerful 1200 watts make it ideal for cooking big meals. You can easily fit a 16-inch pizza or even a whole chicken inside, which is great for family dinners. This microwave simplifies cooking with its smart sensor and pre-programmed menus. It helps you cook food perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: It easily fits big items like a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza, perfect for families.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The humidity sensor helps cook food evenly and keeps it moist for great results.
- Convenient Auto Menus: Six helpful menus for everyday foods like bacon, frozen rolls, beverages, chicken pieces, and oatmeal make cooking quick.
- Efficient Auto Defrost: This feature defrosts meat, poultry, and fish gently, giving you better results than just microwaving.
- User-Friendly Features: It includes easy one-pound defrost, an energy-saving ECO mode, a mute option for quiet operation, and a handy position memory turntable.
- Safety First: A child safety lock adds peace of mind for households with kids.
What Could Be Improved:
- Countertop Space: Due to its large size, it might take up significant counter space in smaller kitchens.
- Learning Curve: While many features are automatic, mastering all the settings and menus might take a little practice.
Overall, this Toshiba microwave offers a lot of power and convenience for everyday cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a large and capable microwave.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven! This 1.2 cubic foot microwave is a workhorse for your kitchen. It boasts a powerful 1000 watts to heat your food quickly. Plus, its sleek black design and large interior can fit a 12-inch pizza, making it great for family meals.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking time for perfect results with popular foods like pizza and veggies.
- It has 12 auto menus, so you can easily cook different dishes with just a touch.
- You can silence the beeps by holding down the “8” button, which is super handy if you don’t want to disturb anyone.
- The ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the easy-clean interior and a removable 12.4-inch turntable.
- The large digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keypad has a protective film that needs to be peeled off before first use, which might be missed by some users.
- A 1-year warranty means you need to keep the packaging for any after-service needs or returns.
This Toshiba microwave offers great features for everyday cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop appliance.
3. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.0/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a good balance of size and power, making it ideal for heating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and defrosting food. Its sleek black design with a white interior looks modern and clean. This microwave is easy to use with helpful features that simplify cooking.
What We Like:
- The 1.1 cubic feet capacity is a good size for most households.
- 1000 watts of power heats food quickly and evenly.
- The removable 12.4-inch carousel turntable ensures consistent cooking.
- It has a stylish design with a gray interior and a bright white LED display.
- LED interior lighting makes it easy to see your food while it cooks.
- 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking offer great cooking control.
- The “+30 seconds” key is super handy for instant cooking boosts.
- Auto Cook features take the guesswork out of popular dishes.
- Weight and Time Defrost makes thawing food simple and accurate.
- “Express Cook” lets you start cooking for up to 6 minutes with one button press.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a good range of features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
- The 1.1 cubic feet size might be a bit too small for very large dishes or whole chickens.
This SHARP microwave oven is a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a capable countertop microwave that simplifies everyday cooking tasks.
4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of tiny microwaves that barely heat up your food? The Farberware Countertop Microwave is here to change that! This powerful 1100-watt microwave boasts a generous 1.6 cubic feet of space, meaning you can fit larger dishes and cook more at once. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen, apartment, or dorm room. Plus, with smart sensor technology and easy-to-use controls, making meals is a breeze.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: With 1100 watts of power, this microwave heats food quickly and efficiently.
- Smart Sensor Options: Six one-touch settings like popcorn, potato, and pizza take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Customizable Cooking: Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking let you control exactly how your food is prepared.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.6 cu ft interior is large enough for bigger plates and meal prep.
- Easy to Use and Clean: A clear LED display, interior lighting, and an easy-clean interior and exterior make this microwave user-friendly.
- Safety Features: The child lock adds peace of mind for families with young children.
- Stylish Design: The stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to your countertop.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size for Small Spaces: While it offers a large interior, the overall footprint might be a bit large for extremely compact kitchens.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Some users might need a little time to get used to the multi-stage cooking options.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and spacious appliance. It combines power, convenience, and smart features, making it a top choice for busy households and small living spaces.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.8/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven offers a large capacity and powerful cooking. Its stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and the spacious 2.2 cubic feet interior can handle big meals. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food simple and efficient for families.
What We Like:
- Family-sized 2.2 cu. ft. capacity fits large dishes.
- 1200 watts of power cooks food quickly.
- New gray interior and LED interior lighting make it easy to see food.
- Inverter Cooking Technology ensures even cooking.
- The large 16.5″ carousel turntable provides even heating.
- 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking give you control.
- Convenient “+30 seconds” key starts cooking instantly.
- Melt/Soften function is handy for delicate foods.
- Sensor Cook and Auto Cook options simplify meal preparation.
- Weight and Time Defrost makes thawing fast.
- “Express Cook” lets you cook for up to 6 minutes with one touch.
- New white LED display is bright and easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might take up significant counter space.
- Some advanced features might require a learning curve.
This SHARP microwave is a powerful and versatile appliance for busy households. It offers many features to make cooking easier and faster.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Large Countertop Microwave
So, you need a microwave that can handle more than just reheating leftovers? A large countertop microwave is a kitchen workhorse. It cooks, defrosts, and reheats food quickly. These bigger models offer more space and power. They are great for families or anyone who cooks a lot.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a large countertop microwave, think about what you need it to do.
Capacity
This is the most important thing. Large microwaves usually start at 1.6 cubic feet. They can go up to 2.2 cubic feet or even more. A bigger capacity means you can fit larger dishes, like a whole chicken or a 9×13 inch baking pan. Check the interior dimensions to make sure your favorite casserole dishes fit.
Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most large microwaves have 1000 watts or more. This is good for efficient cooking.
Convection Cooking
Some large microwaves have a convection feature. This means they have a fan that circulates hot air. It bakes and roasts food like a regular oven. This adds versatility to your cooking options.
Sensor Cooking
Sensor cooking takes the guesswork out of reheating and cooking. The microwave senses the humidity from the food. It then adjusts the cooking time and power level automatically. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Turntable Size
A larger turntable means you can fit bigger plates. It also helps food cook more evenly. Look for a turntable that’s 14 inches or more in diameter.
Pre-programmed Settings
Many microwaves come with buttons for common tasks. These include popcorn, baked potato, and defrosting. These settings are helpful for quick and easy meals.
Important Materials
The inside and outside of your microwave are made of different materials.
- Stainless Steel: Many large microwaves have a stainless steel exterior. This looks nice in a kitchen. It is also durable. The interior is often made of painted steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to clean.
- Glass: The door has a glass window. This lets you see your food as it cooks. The turntable is also made of glass.
- Plastic: Some parts, like the control panel and interior racks, are made of plastic. Good quality plastic is important for durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: How well the microwave is put together matters. A well-built microwave feels sturdy. It won’t rattle when it runs. Look for smooth seams and a solid door.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior is easier to clean. Some have special coatings that resist grease. Removable turntables and racks also make cleaning simpler.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the unit is.
- User Interface: A clear and easy-to-use control panel is important. Buttons should be well-labeled. The display should be easy to read.
User Experience and Use Cases
A large countertop microwave is a great addition to many kitchens.
- Family Meals: If you have a family, a large microwave can reheat multiple servings at once. It can also cook side dishes while you use the oven for the main course.
- Busy Professionals: For those with limited time, a large microwave can quickly prepare meals. Sensor cooking and pre-programmed settings make cooking simple.
- Entertaining: When you have guests, a large microwave can keep food warm or quickly heat appetizers.
- Small Kitchens: Even if you have a small kitchen, a large microwave can be a helpful appliance. It can reduce the need for other cooking appliances.
A large countertop microwave can be a real time-saver. It offers flexibility and convenience for many cooking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the standard size for a large countertop microwave?
A: Large countertop microwaves typically start at 1.6 cubic feet and can go up to 2.2 cubic feet or more. They are designed to hold larger dishes and more food.
Q: Is a higher wattage always better?
A: Higher wattage generally means faster cooking times. Most large microwaves have 1000 watts or more, which is considered powerful and efficient.
Q: What is convection cooking?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air inside the microwave. This allows it to bake, roast, and brown food, similar to a conventional oven, making it more versatile.
Q: How does sensor cooking work?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the humidity released by food as it cooks. The microwave then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level to ensure food is cooked perfectly without overcooking.
Q: Why is the turntable size important?
A: A larger turntable allows you to fit bigger plates and dishes. It also helps your food cook more evenly by rotating it during the cooking cycle.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves more durable?
A: Stainless steel exteriors are often chosen for their durability and attractive appearance. Stainless steel interiors can also be easier to clean and more resistant to stains and odors.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is well-built?
A: A well-built microwave will feel sturdy and solid. The door should close securely, and there should be minimal rattling or vibration when it’s running. Check for smooth seams and quality materials.
Q: What are the benefits of pre-programmed settings?
A: Pre-programmed settings offer convenience by automatically setting the cooking time and power for specific foods like popcorn, potatoes, or beverages. They help take the guesswork out of cooking.
Q: How does a large microwave help in a busy household?
A: A large microwave can reheat multiple servings of food at once, cook side dishes, or quickly prepare meals for a family. Its larger capacity and power save time and effort.
Q: What should I consider if I have limited counter space?
A: Even with limited counter space, a large microwave can be beneficial. It can be a versatile appliance that might reduce the need for other cooking tools. Measure your available space carefully before buying.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!